Guiseley will be hoping to ignite their play-off push as they play Lancaster City on Easter Saturday with four of their final six games at Nethermoor, writes Scott Kelly.

Match sponsored by: Terrafirma

The Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division is the highest league, outside of the Premier League, in action on Saturday and to thank you for your excellent support all season we have reduced ticket prices!

Tickets are just £10 adults, £6 concessions, £4 U18s, £1 U11s and you can get yours at the turnstiles by cash or card payment on Saturday.

Cards accepted and turnstiles 1 & 2, cash at turnstiles 4 & 6. If you will be paying by cash please visit turnstiles 4 & 6 to help ease queueing on the day.

It is cash payments only inside the ground for programmes and 50/50 cash draw tickets. Food and drink from The Lions’ Diner and clubhouse food servery can be paid for by cash or card and the clubhouse accepts and prefers payment by card.

Previous Meetings

The sides drew 2-2 at the Giant Axe back in August, with the Lions 2-0 up at half time through Leigh Whelan and Tom Pratt.

The sides had only met on four occasions prior to the meeting in August, and the Lions have not won any of them.

Last Time Out

The Lions slumped to a disappointing 2-1 defeat at home to Ilkeston last Saturday, with Jameel Ible grabbing the goal for the hosts. On Wednesday night however, they also lost 2-1 at Knaresborough in the West Riding County Cup which is not ideal preparation.

The Dolly Blues lost 2-0 to fellow play-off chasers Marine at home last weekend and have lost four consecutive games in the league.

The Lions’ Form Book

The fact the Lions have not lost two consecutive league matches since Andy Welsh took over in October probably best sums up their sporadic form. It could become two this weekend after Guiseley’s defeat last time out saw Macclesfield take their place in the top five and those coveted play off places.

A win may not be enough for them to be in the top five again come Saturday evening, but it will no doubt improve confidence and get them closer to nearest challengers Hyde United who currently occupy 5th place.

With Worksop and Ashton United breathing down the neck of the Lions, it is imperative they end March with three points here.

The Lions have nine points from a possible 15 as a result of recent defeats to Ilkeston and Marine. Atherton Collieries are the only side to have worse form coming into this weekend than Lancaster City.

Our Opponents – Lancaster City

Manager: Chris Willcock
Stadium: The Giant Axe
Nickname: The Dolly Blues
Current League Position: 10th

Atherton Collieries are the only side to have worse form coming into this weekend than Lancaster City. However recent away victories over Ilkeston, Bradford Park Avenue and Macclesfield means they are a side not to be taken lightly.

Key players include David Norris, now 43, who plays for the club after spells at the likes of Ipswich Town and Leeds United.

Also in the squad are Charlie Bailey and Dominic Lawson, who have bagged seven league goals this season and are the clubs joint top goalscorers.

The Lions’ Team News

Ollie Brown will serve the first of his two-game suspension after picking up two yellow cards at Whitby last week for his second red card of the campaign.

Reece Kendall should be available for selection however after missing the last few league matches through injury.

Tom Denton should also be available after missing the loss to Ilkeston Town.

Lewis Whitham and Laurence Sorhaindo remain out.

What Are They Saying?

“You have to go into every game wanting to win them. Saturday’s game was very disappointing. We take our chances, it’s a different game”. 

Boss Andy Welsh was unhappy that the side went down 2-1 to Ilkeston last Saturday. He appeared largely disappointed at the Lions ability to take chances when presented to them. 

“Inevitably, the players have to stand up and be counted if they want to finish the season on a high”. 

Welsh feels the squad have no excuses as we enter the final six games of the season. He alluded to the thorough preparation that is going into games.

“We have just got to be ruthless in both boxes, but we have to be showing it in abundance as a group”.

Welsh feels togetherness is key if the Lions are to finish in the top five come the end of the season. 

Tickets For Lancaster City

The Northern Premier League is the highest league outside of the Premier League on this Saturday, so come and support the lads for a lower price!